I am looking for info about American "constructeurs." I have heard myths about Art Stump and others building copies or interpretations of French randonneur bikes. Many others have built French-inspired bikes (usually racing bikes with hammered fenders and French racing components). However, these aren't well-documented at all, and about to be lost in the mist of history.
I'd like to have a story in Vintage Bicycle Quarterly on this topic some day. Therefore, any info is appreciated - especially about makers that could be considered "constructeurs" (rather than the "racing bike with hammered fenders" type). A few questions come to mind:
1. Who were the builders? What (and who) was their inspiration?
2. What types of bikes did they build (racing, randonneur, full touring/camping)? Were they trying to emulate the esthetics of the French bikes? The function, too? Did the bikes work as integrated systems with racks, fenders, lights, etc.?
3. Do any of the bikes survive?
Thank you very much for your help.
Jan Heine, Seattle (where you can find Singer, Routens, Herse, Pitard, etc., but haven't seen an American constructeur bike yet)
P.S.: The first issue Vintage Bicycle Quarterly (http://www.mindspring.com/~heine/bikesite/bikesite/index.html) of went out yesterday.